1 week Ago By Team GaadiWaadi
GaadiWaadi -Kia confirms an expansion of HEV line-up on a global level in response to change in the market trendsWith EV demand declining globally, Kia is strengthening its focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids and plans to launch even electric range extender vehicles. At the annual CEO Investor Day today, Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed the launch of the Kia Seltos Hybrid, which would be a derivative of the next-gen Seltos.Kia is seeing a rise in demand for hybrid vehicles globally and wants to realign its powertrain strategy according to the change in consumer preference.
From 4.9 lakh units estimated this year, the company aims to increase its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales to 9.9 lakh units by the end of the decade, Sung Song said.
Speaking further, he indirectly confirmed the launch of hybrid cars in India, saying the company aims to convert one-fourth of targeting an HEV mix of 25% in our market.Sung Song also talked about some of Kia’s upcoming electrified models. He said that the company will introduce a Seltos Hybrid, a Carens EV, and also a Syros EV.
However, while he confirmed the Carens EV and Syros EV for India, he did not say whether the company plans to launch the Seltos Hybrid in our market.Also Read: Five Changes To Look Forward To In The New Kia Carenskia syros ICEThere is a rumour in the local media that Kia is evaluating hybrid cars for India and the Seltos Hybrid would be the most suitable choice as the inaugural product. Internationally, the Seltos Hybrid is expected to employ a powertrain similar to the Niro.
For reference, Kia combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 77.2 kW (103 hp) and 144 Nm of torque with an electric motor generating 32 kW (43 hp) and 170 Nm of torque.
This combination results in 139 hp and 265 Nm of torque. Kia uses a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the Niro and offers the model only in FWD.Also Read: Kia Sales Stood At 25,000+ Units In March – Sonet, Seltos, Carens, SyrosPic Source: HealerTVIn India, if Kia launches the Seltos Hybrid, it could use a smaller, 1.
5-litre petrol engine to keep the development and production costs low. The company is likely to carry over the current Seltos’ 1.5-litre petrol engine into the second generation and may simply modify it for hybrid application.
The next-gen Seltos is expected to be unveiled in mid-2025 in both ICE and hybrid variants and the ICE variant could be launched in India in early 2026.The post Kia Confirms Seltos Hybrid & Plans To Sell Hybrid Models In India appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News by Team GaadiWaadi.
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